IEUA Dedicates State-of-the-Art Water Quality Laboratory

Today, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) held a dedication ceremony for the Agency’s award-winning, state-of-the-art Water Quality Laboratory (Lab).

Construction of the Lab began in August 2017. The 17,166 square foot, $17.8 million lab is a Gold LEED™ Certified building for energy efficiency and the use of eco-friendly materials. In addition to quality control and quality assurance, educational tours are provided showcasing the building and its water quality functions.

In 2005, IEUA performed a preliminary evaluation of the then existing laboratory, which was constructed in 1979.  This was followed by a feasibility study conducted in 2006 for a new laboratory facility. The assessments concluded that the existing laboratory was nearing the end of its useful life and, as a result, planning began to construct a new lab in Chino behind the Agency’s Headquarters.

The Lab supports the analytical needs of the Agency’s five wastewater reclamation plants and the Groundwater Recharge Program. It also supports NPDES and California Division of Drinking Water permit compliance monitoring, as well as industrial and domestic wastewater discharge monitoring for the Agency’s Pre-Treatment and Source Control Department. The new facility also provides support to the Agency’s Chino Desalter I facility and well-monitoring for IEUA’s member agencies.

“The analytical support that the Lab provides is a demonstration of IEUA’s commitment to providing a reliable, high quality and cost-effective water supply and promotes sustainable water use throughout the region,” stated IEUA Board President Kati Parker.  “This Lab is one-of-a-kind and showcases innovation at its best. I am privileged and honored to serve on the Board of an agency with such groundbreaking, revolutionary projects.  I look forward to being a part of this leading-edge laboratory, which supports the Agency in efforts to protect public health and the environment.”

Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board. California’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund is capitalized through a variety of funding sources, including grants from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and State bond proceeds.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency covers 242-square miles, distributes imported water, provides industrial/municipal wastewater collection and treatment services and other related utility services to more than 875,000 people through its member agencies which include Chino, Chino Hills, Cucamonga Valley Water District, Fontana, Fontana Water Company, Montclair, Monte Vista Water District, Ontario and Upland. To learn more, visit www.ieua.org.